For all the bad there's a lot of good here too...... I've made friends that I cherish, and I still get to see lots of wonderful photography..... It's pretty much a given that the gallery is not a place for critiques, but I do still give them, when I have the time or think the person will appreciate them..... sometimes I would like to say something constructive but I am afraid of hurting the person's feelings. For example there's one person in particular (they must be fairly new, because I don't recognize the name) who is uploading wonderfully composed images, yet they are blurry as all hell, the quality is atrocious and everyone (who appear to be friends, it would seem) who has commented is telling them how wonderful they are.....!!! Is everyone blind? Is not one of this persons friends willing to speak up? I've been tempted to say something, but I don't want to burst anyone's bubble.... they obviously, based on the comments think they are super-duper photos.... sigh And contrary to what Misha said, it isn't about being superior to anybody. I think, Misha, that you have a lot to offer in the way of knowledge. At the risk of sounding like a snot, I'm no dummy when it comes to photography, I've worked damn hard to learn what I know!!... Offering critiques is trying to help someone else learn, to pass on the knowledge and the joy..... there are a few folks in the gallery who could use some help with composition, and obtaining better quality, etc..... I've been here so long that I just ignore the things that I think are silly.... like the rankings and the silly "V"s, and all that, and yes sometimes even the comments ..... sometimes, I just stay away for a few days until I feel better.....

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com